Transom stories: Feminist mycologist says mushrooms chose her

Mara Fae Penfil is fascinated with fungi. Last month, she quit her job in Traverse City and is traveling the country teaching people about mushrooms—but not just any mushrooms. Penfil is intrigued by the obscure, medicinal varieties. She’s been selling medicinal mushrooms through her website, Female and Fungi. She says many people pass them off as bark or dirt, but they're everywhere—and not by accident.

Mara’s story is told by Eleanor Bennett, who came to Interlochen for the Transom workshop last week. Bennett is a producer for SiriusXM Radio in New York. She also produces a podcast for the Garrison Institute about human resilience, spirituality and climate change.